Basketball Player Heo Ung Accuses Ex-Girlfriend of Threats and Stalking Charges

"Demanding 300 Million Won While Threatening to Expose Private Life... Request for Swift Investigation"

Professional basketball player Heo Ung (31, KCC) has filed a complaint against his ex-girlfriend on charges of threats and stalking, claiming that he was blackmailed for 300 million won under the pretext of revealing his private life.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Dong-hyung, the lawyer representing Heo, announced on the 26th that he had submitted a complaint to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul against Heo's ex-girlfriend, A, on charges including attempted extortion, threats, and violation of the Stalking Punishment Act. In a press release distributed to the media that day, Lawyer Kim explained the background of the complaint, stating, "Since the end of May 2021, A threatened to expose Heo's private life through the media, social media, and his affiliated team, demanding 300 million won from Heo."

According to Heo's side, when A became pregnant with Heo's child in May 2021, she insisted that they must marry before the birth, and when Heo responded that he needed more time to consider marriage, she suddenly turned hostile and threatened him. It was also added that A underwent an artificial abortion and that they had an on-and-off relationship for three years before finally breaking up at the end of 2021.

Heo's side also revealed KakaoTalk messages sent by A, including "I want to die in front of you," and claimed that A later trespassed into Heo's residence against his will. They also requested the police to investigate A's suspected violation of the Narcotics Control Act and to investigate B, a friend of A who is suspected of collusion.

Lawyer Kim stated, "Because he is a famous athlete, the complainant has been subjected to prolonged extortion and threats by the accused," and added, "We ask the investigative authorities to conduct a swift and confidential investigation to prevent a second Lee Seon-gyun incident."

Heo Ung is the son of Heo Jae (59), former head coach of the men's national basketball team and known as the 'Basketball President.' He was a key figure in leading his team, Busan KCC, to victory in the 2023-2024 professional basketball championship finals.